Ely City’s women’s team landed a history-making feat after a dramatic cup triumph against higher league opponents. 

The first women’s squad in the club’s 137-year history had been on a five-game losing streak since the start of their season in September. 

But on Sunday, November 20, they won their first competitive fixture when they beat Isleham United Ladies on penalties in a Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup tie. 

Ely, who play in Division Three of the Cambridgeshire Girls and Women’s Football League, were involved in an end-to-end match that saw both sides create chances. 

The deadlock was eventually broke on 30 minutes when Isleham, of Division Two, found themselves one-on-one with Ely goalkeeper Anna Petrova, who could not stop the resulting shot. 

Parity was restored when Amy Lloyd found the net 10 minutes later to go into half-time level. 

A spell of early second half pressure paid off for the hosts when they made it 2-1 after 53 minutes, as it seemed likely Isleham would hold on. 

But a delicate chipped effort by Natasha Lane over the onrushing goalkeeper with two minutes of normal time remaining gave Ely hope. 

And in the penalty shootout, goals from Nikol Dicheva, Vicky Bailey and Lane, topped by an impressive display from ‘keeper Petrova ensured Ely would win 5-4 on penalties. 

Ely Standard: Ely City Women, the club's first ladies' team in its 137-year history, beat Isleham United Ladies to win their first competitive match of the season.Ely City Women, the club's first ladies' team in its 137-year history, beat Isleham United Ladies to win their first competitive match of the season. (Image: Gary Creak)

Ely, coached by Emma Smith, Lucy French and Claire Giannandrea, aim for their first league win when they visit South Lincolnshire Swifts Ladies on November 27, 2pm. 

"Every game, you can see this amazing determination from everyone playing to improve and give 100 per cent effort, and that is all we can ask of them," said French.

"Getting this win can hopefully help us springboard to a few more wins in future."

Ely City Women are championing the #HerGameToo campaign, which focuses on areas such as tackling sexism in football.

*Ely City’s men’s first team were not in action last weekend.

City return with a trip to strugglers Kirkley & Pakefield in the Eastern Counties Premier Division on November 26, 3pm. 

As for Ely City Reserves, they were also without a fixture at the weekend. 

The Robins’ second-string, who sit 11th in the Cambridgeshire County League Premier Division, host Bassingbourn at the Demcom Stadium on November 26, 2pm.